STEVE Kean is set for a transatlantic mission to secure Junior Hoilett’s Rovers future, after describing him as one of the Premier League’s “special talents”.

The Canadian starlet has exploded onto the Premier League scene ever since he was given a first team run by Kean, and the Blackburn Rovers boss is now desperate to keep him at Ewood for the long term.

Hoilett’s current deal is due to expire next summer and, with several Premier League rivals ready to swoop, Kean will make the 11-hour journey to Ontario, Canada, in the next fortnight in an attempt to persuade his agent and dad, David Hoilett senior, Rovers is the best place for him. It took a similar trip for former boss Sam Allardyce to tie Hoilett up on a two-year deal back in February 2010, after prolonged discussions, and Kean is hoping his journey can have a similar effect.

The Rovers boss said: “I have spoken with Junior and he is now on a family holiday. I will probably go out to Canada in the next couple of weeks to speak to his dad.

“We are hopeful. He is desperate to get something sorted out, he wants to stay, he is playing well and has enjoyed a good run in the team.

“He is enjoying his football and has been a bit of a match winner for us. I think he has enjoyed the freedom he has had in the final third. He has been allowed to take people on and has caused top players call sorts of problems.

“He can be top, top notch. He can go all the way to being a very, very special player in this league.”

Hoilett came to Rovers from Canada as a 12-year-old, after turning down Manchester United, and has risen through the youth ranks at Ewood Park.

Due to work permit problems, he spent two seasons on loan in Germany between 2007-09, before Rovers fought hard to secure his Premier League return in the summer of 2009.

After failing to make the impact expected of him last campaign and suffering a frustrating start this season, Steve Kean’s reign as Rovers boss since December has seen Hoilett become one of the league’s most exciting players.

He ended the season as Rovers’ top joint goal scorer with six goals.

Kean said: “I think he can play anywhere. He can play, left, right, in the hole, out and out as a striker. He can adapt and play anywhere, he is that good.

“I am proud of seeing all the young lads getting in. Full credit to them because although I was the one who gave them an opportunity, they had to deliver and they have.”